Platform attachment for stepladders



Nov. 20, 1934. v. N. LEBRE PLATFORM ATTACHMENT FOR STEPLADDERS Filed Aug. 1, 1934 /V 5.9 @J a Inventor Wafer JV Zere Attomey By Q4...

Patented Nov. 2 0, 1934 UNITED STATES PA'TENT OFFICE PLATFORM ATTACHMENT FOR STEPLADDERS 2 Claims.

This invention relates to a platform or foot support adapted to be attached to a ladder; and an object of the invention is to provide a foot support or platform that may be attached to any ladder to increase the foot room and afford a firm support for the operator, giving a sense of security and enabling the operator to assume an erect posture and extended reach for working and not requiring the operator to place the full weight of the body on the ball of the foot, thus making the ladder capable of being used for a long period of time without tiring ones feet.

The invention, together with its objects and advantages, will be best understood from a study of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Figure l is a front elevational view illustrating an application of the invention to the step ladder.

Figure 2 is a sectional view through the structure shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a plan view of the platform. Figure 4-. is an end elevational view thereof. Figure 5 is a fragmentary rear elevational View showing the retaining latch or keeper member. Referring to the drawing, it will be seen that the improved platform or foot support is indicated generally by the reference numeral 10 and comprises a step or platform part 11 which is fastened in any suitable manner to the upper edges of side pieces 12 that, in turn, rise from a bottom or base piece 13. In the present instance, the base piece 13 is of a width equal to the width of the step 14 of a step ladder, a portion of which is shown in the drawing and indicated generally by the reference numeral 15. The side pieces 12 are tapered, being at their ends connected with the base piece 13 of a width corresponding to the width of the member 13 and at their upper ends being of a width substantially equal to the combined width of a step 14 and the foot support or platform member 11.

The side pieces 12 are of a length to fit somewhat snugly between two adjacent steps 14 of the step ladder, as shown in Figure 2 with the rear portions of the sides 12 at the edges thereof projecting rearwardly beyond the rear edge of the foot support 11 adapted to engage the underside of an upper step 14 of the ladder, as shown in Figure 2.

As shown, bracing cleats 16 are secured to the inner faces of the side pieces 12.

The base member 13 at its rear edge has pivoted thereto as at 17 a suitable latch member 18 that is adapted to engage behind the rear edge of the lower step 14 of the step ladder in a manner clearly shown in Figure 2, and with the member 18 thus engaging the lower step s 14, and theends 11a of the foot support 11 engaging the side rails 14a of the step ladder at the front side thereof, the platform 10 will be securely retained in position to provide, in conjunction with an upper step 14 of the ladder, increased foot room so that the user may stand with his feet flat on the surface provided by the upper step 14 and the platform or foot support 11,.thus making the ladder capable of being used for a long period of time without tiring 0 the user, and at the same time giving to the user a better sense of security and safety, and without tiring the operators feet or body.

What is claimed is:

1. A platform support for step ladders comprising a base member adapted to rest flatly on a lower step of a ladder, tapered side members having their smallest ends secured to the base member, and a platform secured to the upper ends of the side members, said platform being of a width equal to substantially half the width of the upper ends of the side members and having a longitudinal edge adapted to abut the front edge of an upper step of the ladder, with the free upper edge portions of the side members in sliding engagement with the underside of said upper step of the ladder.

2. A step support for ladders comprising a base member adapted to rest flatly on a lower step of a ladder, tapered side members having their smallest ends secured to the base member, and a platform secured to the upper ends of the side members, said platform being of a width equal to substantially half the width of the upper ends of the side members and having a longitudinal edge adapted to abut the front edge of an upper step of the ladder, with the free upper edge portions of the side members in sliding engagement with the underside of the upper step of the ladder, and a pivoted keeper on the rear edge of said base member and arranged to engage the rear ed e of said lower step of the ladder VICTOR N. LEBRE. 

